Narrative:
The Merlin IV hit trees half a mile short of runway 05. The pilot attempted a visual approach; patches of fog were present in the area.
PROBABLE CAUSE(S):
pilot in command - spatial disorientation
FACTOR(S)
weather - low ceiling
weather - rain
weather - fog
weather briefing - briefing received-method unknown
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Monday 14 April 1975 |
| Time: | 22:05 |
| Type: |  Swearingen SA226-AT Merlin IV |
| Operator: | Magnavox Corporation |
| Registration: | N960M |
| MSN: | AT-005 |
| First flight: | 1972 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | 1 km (0.6 mls) SW of Southern Pines-Pinehurst Airport, NC (SOP) ( United States of America)
|
| Phase: | Approach (APR) |
| Nature: | Executive |
| Departure airport: | Flushing Airport, NY, United States of America |
| Southern Pines-Pinehurst Airport, NC (SOP/KSOP), United States of America |
The Merlin IV hit trees half a mile short of runway 05. The pilot attempted a visual approach; patches of fog were present in the area.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE(S):
pilot in command - spatial disorientation
FACTOR(S)
weather - low ceiling
weather - rain
weather - fog
weather briefing - briefing received-method unknown
Sources:
» NTSBPhotos
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
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